Uniform Information

Statement of policyIt is the policy of
the Beaufort County School District to regulate reasonable attire of
students during the school day. Students in all schools shall wear an
approved school uniform with only legally-mandated exceptions. To
maintain an educational environment that is safe and conducive to the
educational process, students in all grades shall abstain from wearing
or possessing specified items during the school day.

Statement of purposeThe Beaufort County
School District has determined that reasonable regulation of school
attire can promote important educational interests, including:

reducing distraction and loss of self-esteem caused by teasing or competing over clothing

minimizing disruption from wearing inappropriate clothing or possessing inappropriate items at school

providing an environment where students can focus more on learning

enhancing school safety by making it harder to conceal weapons or contraband

enhancing
school safety by helping teachers and administrators identify
individuals that are not enrolled in the school when they encounter them
on school grounds

enhancing school safety by prohibiting gang colors and paraphernalia

reducing the cost of school clothing

providing an educational environment where financial disparities between students, as reflected in clothing, are minimized

creating a greater sense of community and school pride among the students

instilling discipline in students

helping students and parents to avoid peer pressure

helping prepare students for future roles in the workplace

creating an atmosphere reflecting seriousness of purpose about education.

RequirementsShirts, Sweaters and Sweatshirts (tops)

Tops may be solid white or additional solid colors designated by the individual school.

Students must wear plain shirts with a collar. Mock turtlenecks and turtlenecks are acceptable.

Shirts may have school-approved logos.

Shirts may not exceed one size larger or smaller than necessary as determined by the school administrator.

Shirts must be tucked in (exceptions may be made for Pre-school and kindergarten students as needed by administration).

White T-shirts (long or short sleeves) may be worn under uniform shirts.

Students
may wear plain, hooded sweaters or sweatshirts over school uniforms.
The sweaters or sweatshirts may be solid white or school designated
colors.

Pants, Skirts, Skorts, Jumpers, Capris and Shorts (Bottoms)

Bottoms may be solid khaki, black or navy as designated by school.

Jeans are not permitted. Principals may make exceptions for a specific group such as seniors or for special days.

Bottoms
must be free of graphics and embroidery. With the exception of small
labels, bottoms may not have insignias, words or pictures.

Shorts,
skirts, skorts, and jumpers shall be modest and of sufficient length.
The length of these articles of clothing shall be no shorter than three
(3) inches above the top of the knee when standing.

Cargo-style pants or shorts are not permitted.

Clothing
may not exceed one size larger than necessary as determined by a school
administrator. Baggy or sagging pants or shorts are not permitted. “Low
rise” clothing is not permitted. Pants, shorts, and skirts must be worn
at the natural waistline.

Belts
must be worn if pants, skirts, skorts or shorts have belt loops
(exceptions may be made by administration). Belt buckles must not be
oversized, computerized or have any writing that is considered
offensive.

Coats and Jackets (Outerwear)

Outerwear may not be worn inside the school building during the school day.

Outerwear may be worn during a class change if the student is exiting the building.

Outerwear
may be worn to school and placed in the student’s locker. If a locker
is not available, it may be hung in the classroom or other location
designated by the principal and/or the principal’s designee.

The principal and/or the principal’s designee may make an exception if the building or classroom is unusually cold.

Shoes, Sneakers and Boots (Footwear)

Footwear
must be worn at all times. Shoes shall conform, as needed, to special
requirements such as P.E. classes, ROTC, science labs, etc.

Laces on shoes and sneakers must be tied.

Flip flops, crocs, and slippers are not permitted.

Heelies are not permitted.

Other Clothing Items or Accessories

Students
may not wear large pendants or medallions. School administration has
the final say on determining whether a pendant or medallion is large or
not.

Any adornment that could be perceived as, or used as, a weapon such as chains, spikes, etc. is not permitted.

Gang-related
clothing, accessories, symbols or intimidating items of dress, as
identified by local law enforcement agencies, are not permitted.

Head
coverings of any kind, including but not limited to, hats, caps,
bandanas, curlers, masks, visors, kerchiefs, athletic sweatbands,
earmuffs or sunglasses are not permitted. Head coverings shall not be
worn, carried, hung on belts or around the neck or kept in classrooms
during regular school hours.

Other Uniform Requirements

Students are expected to be dressed according to the uniform standards at all times when school is in session.

Students
who are taking classes that require a special dress code, such as JROTC
or career and technical education internships, may wear that uniform to
other classes.

Principals
may make exceptions to the uniform policy for special events, such as
picture day, and may allow a different standard for athletic teams or
other school clubs or activities.

Clothing
designed for school athletic events, such as cheerleader outfits, that
do not meet the above guidelines shall not be worn during the
instructional day unless appropriate additional garments are worn with
the outfit.

Enforcement

First Offense:
Students shall be informed that they have violated the policy. They
shall be given an opportunity to change into acceptable clothing by
using available clothes at school or by calling a parent/guardian to
bring clothes. If neither of these options is used, students may be
placed in an in-school suspension alternative setting for the remainder
of the day.

Second Offense:
A second infraction of the policy shall be considered as defiance. In
addition to the disciplinary actions available for a first offense, a
parent/guardian conference shall be held.

Third Offense and Additional Offenses:
A third or additional infraction of the dress code shall be categorized
as a Level 1 Offense as outlined in the Beaufort County School District
Code of Student Conduct, subject to the consequences outlined therein,
including out-of-school suspension. Disciplinary action may vary when a
student has a record of other student conduct violations during a
current school year.

Students
who do not comply with the dress code may be excluded from
participating in certain extracurricular school programs. Copies of the
dress code shall be made available to students and parents.

Reasonable
consideration shall be made for those students who, because of a
sincerely held religious belief or medical reason, request a waiver of a
particular guideline for dress or appearance. The waiver request shall
be in writing from the parent or guardian and approved by the principal
and/or principal’s designee on an annual basis. In considering a waiver
request, the principal and/or principal’s designee has the right to
request additional documentation from medical officials and/or religious
leaders.

New students to the school may be given a two-week grace period from enrollment to obtain and wear the proper school uniforms.